Punjab and Haryana High Court on Shubkaran Singh Death
Farmers Protest 2024, Punjab and Haryana High Court on Shubkaran Singh Death: In a major development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday stated that the investigation of Shubhkaran Singh's death cannot be given to the Punjab and Haryana. It may be recalled that Shubhkaran Singh had succumbed to the injuries that he sustained during the clash with police at the Khanauri border.
Punjab and Haryana High Court said that the investigation on death cannot be given to Haryana or Punjab for obvious reasons, hence a retired High Court judge will be appointed, who will be assisted by two retired officers of the rank of ADGP from Punjab and Haryana.
Here's what happened during the Punjab and Haryana High Court hearing on farmers' protest:
ACJ: Haryana, you will have to justify, how can you open fire on protestors? Did you lathi chargi?
Haryana- Yes, my lord. Lathi charge was also done…
CJ asked Haryana: What kind of bulletes are you using? You will have to seek instructions on what kind of weapon and bullets are being used on protestors.
Haryana: Death took place in Jind District (Haryana) Punjab registered zero FIR then handed over the matter to Haryana but we did not receive any post-mortem report yet. We have requested Punjab to handover the complete documents… SIT will be constituted.
ACJ addresses Punjab: This is the case of death, why is there so much of delay?
ACJ: When was internet suspended in Haryana. Haryana gives details.
Petitioner: The whole transaction which led to death have to be seen. The deceased received injuries in Punjab, then died in Haryana. Punjab Police will not lose jurisdiction in that case. How can Haryana have jurisdiction?
Petitioner Uday Pratap Singh: Ambala police has made a video stating that passport of protesters will be seized… This is infringement of FR and law laid down in Maneka Gandhi case. Status report may be sought from State.
ACJ to Punjab: How did you come to the decision that FIR on death is zero FIR? Tell us what stopped you from investigation?
ACJ: Your affidavit is vague.
ACJ asked Haryana: Please refer where have you stated that you gave warning?
Haryana: Refers to affidavit
ACJ: Tell us when firing took place?
Haryana: Refers to affidavit…
ACJ: Are you saying you never opened fire?
Haryana refers to affidavit… "Situation turned so violent… Police force have to use water canon, lathi charge, pellet, rubber bullet… 15 policemen got injured.”
ACJ: You are referring to another incident… this took place at a different place.
Haryana: We have constituted SIT. Let them (Punjab) hand over the documents today, we will file report as soon as possible.
After this, the High Court announced a retired High Court judge will be appointed, who will be assisted by two retired officers of the rank of ADGP from Punjab and Haryana to investigate Shubhkaran Singh's death.
